Welcome to Sparrows 

Class Teacher - Mrs Hadley

LSP - Mrs Andrews

email:    class.sparrows@burnttree.sandwell.sch.uk Term

 

Autumn Term

Our learning

Maths

In the autumn term, our learning focus is for the children to learn about sorting. They will learn that collections of objects can be sorted into sets based on attributes such as colour, size or shape. Sorting enables children to consider what is the same about all the objects in one set, and how they differ from the objects in other sets. Children will learn to understand that the same collection of objects can be sorted in different ways and should be encouraged to come up with their own criteria for sorting objects into sets. Practical activities will be used to support their learning and show this with manipulatives.

The children will go on to learn about numbers to 10.  The children will have a regular opportunity to verbally count and recognise numbers to 10 using numerals and the written word.  They will work practically and use a range of equipment and strategies. In addition to this, the children will continue to develop mathematical vocabulary and answer reasoning and problem-solving questions every day. After dinner, the children will have additional 15 -minute lessons to master number each day.

We will encourage the use of the CPA (concrete, pictorial and abstract) approach in our maths lessons. This is where we use a mixture of resources that will enhance your child's mathematical understanding. We will continue to consolidate our knowledge from our previous learning while developing previously taught skills in arithmetic quizzes.

English

In writing, children will have the opportunity to explore texts; fiction and non-fiction. We will start the English journey with a focus on text understanding the vocabulary and language used.  Writing opportunities will allow children to communicate and express their ideas, developed through phonics sessions, to write simple and dictated sentences.  Throughout the term, we will continue to develop the children's spelling, punctuation and grammar skills.

Reading/Phonics

Continuing from the reception year, we will continue to use the Read Write Inc phonics scheme to promote and further develop reading and writing. This scheme teaches children the sounds in English, the letters that represent them and how to form them correctly. The children will be assessed at the end of each half-term and placed in the correct phonics group for their level. Children will be provided with an appropriate book to read at home to improve their fluency and speed at reading. This book will match their phonics level. Children will be encouraged to use the skills developed from phonics in all other curricular lessons.

This half-term we are reading stories by Julia Donaldson. We encourage you to take your child to the library and read a range of stories written by her or similar novelists.

Children will have the opportunity to read, share and explore non-fiction texts, papers and magazines that also promote further a love for reading. This selection of texts develops a fun, rich and enjoyable reading culture, which is crucial to developing language, vocabulary and a love of reading. Once read by an adult, the children will have the opportunity to share these books either individually, in groups or as a whole class. 

Science

Working scientifically, in Science this term, the children will be learning all about parts of the body and the five senses. They will learn about the human body, so they understand how it works and how to keep their bodies healthy. Learning about how the parts of the body work is essential for providing context for why healthy eating and exercise are essential. They will be immersed in a rich vocabulary and begin to ask and answer questions. 

Using knowledge from previous learning in Reception, we will recall information and record what they have found out - working scientifically. As young scientists, children will explore the real world, and they will have the opportunity to develop scientific skills that provide an opportunity for continued understanding and progression. Throughout the topic, the children will have the opportunity to and maintain their understanding.

Throughout science in year 1, children will be exposed to many scientific methods, processes and skills to improve their learning. There will be plenty of opportunities for children to ask questions, take part in observations, perform simple tests, and gather different types of data. 

As the seasons change throughout the school year, we will also continue to observe all different types of changes in the weather and environments across all four seasons.

History

This term, we will be focusing on history. We will be learning about chronology. The children will learn about topics covering a wide time frame. This includes changes in recent memory to national life or events that are beyond memory. 

During these lessons, the children will learn about personal chronology and find out about the past within living memory. By examining photographs and asking questions, the children will investigate chronology, beginning to look at a simple timeline extending back to before they were born. They will begin to understand and make comparisons between familiar things and experiences today and in the past. The children will make a memory box at the end of the unit and have the opportunity to write a memory to add to the box and recall the school year.

The children will also complete activities through a mini-topic book, learning about significant events past and present, real news and world events, influential people, British Values and Black History.

Geography

The theme for Geography this term is ' Where in the World are we?'. In Geography this term, we will be looking at aerial photographs of the school and where we live. We will also be learning about maps and we will be making our own creative maps! We will locate features on the playground using a simple map and key and we will learn how to draw a simple map. With our knowledge of the school and its playground, we will be looking at how to improve it- we will be discussing our likes and dislikes about it and discussing how to make improvements that are environmentally friendly. The key vocabulary we will be using will be: map, key, symbol, human features, physical features, aerial view, compass points, north/east/south/west, town, city, fields and farm and much more! We will be looking at where in the world we are by looking at maps, atlases and online maps. 

Art and Design

This term the children will follow a scheme of work to develop art skills. This process will help the children to explore and understand different types of line types and mark-making techniques. The skills taught will enable children to develop drawing and enhance their ability to describe lines, control drawing materials such as pencils and chalk and experiment with various media.  

The children will move on to learning about painting and mixed media – colour splash. The children will learn about primary and secondary colours, colour mixing techniques and apply these skills in painting and printing. The lessons encourage exploration and confidence in colour use, creating a painted plate in the style of an artist. This unit enhances pupils' understanding of colours and their applications in art.

Design and Technology

This term, and through (DT) Design Technology, the children will have the opportunity to learn about and design a moving story book. They will follow a specific design criteria using key knowledge and skills while following the program of work.

During the process they will research, plan and create pieces, then test and develop their product, having the opportunity to improve their design. They will evaluate their work at the end of each unit. The children will be immersed in specific vocabulary, developing as they work.

Music

In music this term, we will be taught how to use our voices in different ways. We will be taught by Mrs Kinsella who will teach the children songs that allow them to change the pace, tone, rhythm and pitch of their voices. They will learn how to sing together in time with the music. The key vocabulary for these lesson will be: pitch, tone, voice, music, high and low. We will perform our music to the school at the end of the half term! 

Physical Education (PE)

Over the year, our weekly, high quality, PE educational lessons will take place on a Wednesday and Friday afternoon. We want all of our children to develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities and field games.

The theme this half-term is 'send and return'. The children will be able to send an object with increased confidence using a hand or bat. They will move towards a moving ball and return it, developing the skill. They will learn how to work together in pairs or groups and develop PE skills individually. This will follow on from the reception year. The children will showcase their learning to the other groups.

Children will continue to know the importance of staying fit for our future health and wellbeing. They will learn about flexibility, stretching and curling and work in pairs to develop safe gymnastics skills.  The children will also take part in activities to enable them to catch, throw and retrieve a ball in a fun and supportive environment. Children will learn to work together in teams, and if they encounter a problem, learn to carry on to solve it. 

Computing

In computing, children will have the opportunity to explore what technology is and to use technology safely. They will begin to understand how to stay safe online and navigate a website. They will learn to use the iPad to research topics and develop their IT skills to make an image move. 

RE

In Religious Education (RE) this half-term, the children will learn about the Christian faith. We will celebrate Christianity by having a day of singing, prayer and food tasting, learning and gaining a deeper understanding about the religion. Children will be able to understand the importance of the Christian faith, including the key place of worship. We will share images and artefacts, along with videos of stories told.  They will learn about special events, Christians in the local area, including the school community, and have the opportunity to perform at Christmas in the school Nativity.

At Burnt Tree Primary, the children are taught to be highly respectful of different faiths, listening to each other, showing love, kindness and respect at all times. 

PSHE

In our school, we follow the scheme 'Jigsaw' and the theme for this half term will be looking at rules, how to be safe and how to make friends. The children will learn how to sit in a circle and take it in turns speaking and listening. They will voice their opinions whilst also acknowledging that their friends may have a different opinion. They will learn how to be responsible and know their actions have consequences. 

Look what we have been doing...